The Winkler Flyers young guns put one in the win column as they beat the Terriers 5-3 in their MJHL Pre-season opener in Portage. The game featured the rookies from both clubs who are not only looking to make the team this year, but make an impression for the years to come.

 

 

A day after playing in the Flyers intrasquad game, the Orange and Black headed out on the road where many of them had their last chance to show their stuff to Head Coach John Marks and his staff.

 

 

Former Pembina Valley Hawks forward Jory Mullin got things started on the right foot for Winkler when he found the back of the net with the help of Ian Humphreys, 12:47 into the first period. Just over three and a half minutes later it was Mullin finding former Hawks teammate Brock Vanderveen with a beautiful pass. The Carman native made no mistake in making in 2-0 for Winkler with 3:35 left in the period. The Terriers added a late powerplay goal in the frame and the Flyers lead 2-1 after 20 minutes.

 

 

Portage took advantage of more Flyer penalties in the second as they tied the game at two with another powerplay marker just over seven minutes in.

 

 

However, the former Hawks contingent was there again for Winkler. Minnesota native Daniel Fainman fed a pass to Christian Savard and the Somerset product fired it past the goaltender to give the Flyers the lead for good. Fainman got one of his own scoring from Nate Jose and Craig Sigvaldason late in the second and Winkler carried a 4-2 lead into the third.

 

 

Fainman completed his three point night by assisting on Jayden Lamb’s goal, 7:13 into the period. Ian Humphreys also picked up his second helper of the game on that goal. The home side added another midway through the third but could not complete the comeback as the Flyers came away with the win in their first pre-season game of the year.

 

 

Former Hawks goaltender Reed Peters picked up the win in net allowing two goals on 19 shots through 40 minutes of work. Carson Keck played well in the third period and stopped all but one of the 11 shots that he faced.

 

 

Head Coach John Marks continued to cut down his roster after the game, letting seven or eight more players go. He says he hopes to have the numbers down to around the 30 mark by the end of the week.

 

 

The Flyers now prepare for their MJHL pre-season home opener which goes Friday night, 7:30pm, at the Winkler Recreation Complex when they host the Portage Terriers.

 

CKMW'S Voice of the Winkler Flyers Matt Friesen asked head coach John Marks to comment on last nights victory over the Portage Terriers